Another Fuel-Efficient Compact Diesel on the Global Market: Suzuki New Swift @ 51 MPG US

16 August 2005

Suzuki new Swift

Suzuki’s compact new Swift, unveiled in March at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show, is now hitting global showrooms in its diesel as well gasoline configurations. The new Swift is a “global” car—designed for world markets, it is to be manufactured in Hungary, Japan, China and India. (Suzuki is the largest seller of consumer cars in India.)

The new Swift comes with a choice of three upgraded engines: 1.3- and 1.5-liter gasoline, and the latest arrival, the 1.3-liter diesel.

Each engine is tuned with an emphasis on performance at low and mid-range speeds. The two gasoline engines use variable valve timing to help maximize torque and power throughout the rev range. The diesel has a common-rail fuel-injection system combined with an intercooled turbocharger to help deliver a flat torque curve even at low engine speed.

Suzuki New Swift

1.3L

1.5L

1.3L Diesel

Displacement cc

1,328

1,490

1,248

Cylinders / Valves

4 /4

4 / 4

4 / 4

Power kW (hp)

68 (91)

75 (101)

51 (68)

Torque Nm (lb-ft)

116 (86)

133 (98)

170 (125)

Top speed km/h (mph)

175 (109)

185 (115)

165 (103)

Acceleration secs. (0–100 km/h)

11.0

10.0

14.2

Fuel consumption l/100km

6.1

6.5

4.6

Fuel economy mpg US

39

36

51

CO2 g/km

143

159

122

Suzuki is sourcing the 1.3-liter diesel from Fiat and Opel, and has licensed the technology to manufacture those engines at its Indian subsidiary Maruti Udyong from the end of 2006.

I would love to buy one of these in the USA, but I just found out that it has not hit the US Markets. I know that there is a demand for this type of vehicle. The USA should supply. Any help on how we could get one in the USA? The diesel is not available in Canada. I checked. Thanks!